Biology

Physiology

Fearow is a large, mostly brown bird Pokémon with a vulturine neck and broad, powerful wings. It has a long, pointed beak that is pink in coloration, and a decorative red coxcomb tops its head. Its intense-looking eyes have very small pupils, and do not appear to have colored irises. It has shaggy feathers on the base of its neck and in a vaguely cape-like pattern covering the upper portion of its wings. The cape itself is cream in color, as are the tips of its flight feathers. Its sharp-clawed talons are pink, with three toes pointing forward and one pointing backward.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Fearow have large, strong beaks, allowing them to use strong attacks such as Drill Peck, Fury Attack and the rarely seen Drill Run, with the latter allowing it to fight off Electric types. Like most avian Pokémon, they can use a wide variety of aerial and wind-based moves. They can also fly very quickly and elegantly when it senses danger. These birds have solid stamina, allowing them to fly for an entire day without rest.

Behavior

Fearow builds its nest on highly elevated areas; they are commonly seen on the peaks of rock spires near canyons. Very tall trees can make useful substitute positions for their nests. They are territorial and quick to anger, often attacking those who tread too near to their nests.

Diet

Fearow are vicious predators and swoop down from above, grabbing their prey and taking it to their nests. They generally eat bugs and rodents, as they prefer to avoid any type of plant. As Fearow have been known to attack Pichu, Rattata, and Pidgey, it is presumed that they may prey on these Pokémon. Fearow also eat Pokémon food.

Minor appearances

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, an unknown Trainer tried to ride a Fearow to Mewtwo's Island. This Trainer never turns up on the island, unlike the others who set out. Mewtwo also uses one to scout for powerful Trainers.

Ash captured Fearow in the first chapter, Pikachu, I See You!. It was his first capture (besides Pikachu, who was not technically captured in a Poké Ball in the manga). Ash sometimes has trouble getting Fearow to obey him.

Trivia

The English names of the Spearow family and Beedrill are almost reversed from the Japanese in that Beedrill is named Spear and Fearow, Spearow's evolution, is called Onidrill.

Origin

Fearow doesn't seem to be directly based on any particular bird species, instead taking inspiration from many soaring, predatory birds. It has traits similar to raptors such as hawks and vultures, as well as similarities with storks. Its physical appearance may be vaguely based on a cormorant or an anhinga, despite the fact that they are water birds. It also shares characteristics with chickens and snipe, most notably its comb and long beak, respectively. Its coloration and size also resembles the Goliath Heron, whose feathers when ruffled look superficially like a cockscomb.

Name origin

Fearow is a combination of fear and sparrow or arrow. It may also derive from feather.

Onidrill is a combination of 鬼 oni (demon) and drill, although it is worth noting that the first four syllables can be taken to mean 鬼鳥 onidori (demon bird).